Kurt Warner says Eli isn’t a Hall of Famer

Quarterback Kurt Warner retired two years ago with a body of work that likely will put him in Canton. If he gets there, he may not be welcoming Eli Manning with open arms.

In an appearance with Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 620 in Phoenix, Warner made the case against Eli’s potential induction into the Hall of Fame.

“I fully disagree with that,” Warner said of talk that Eli will get in. “You know because I know we put a lot of weight on championships, and rightfully so. But championships are won as a team, and I’m fully convinced of that. You never see one guy — a great player, great quarterback — carry a team through the playoffs and into a Super Bowl and win a Super Bowl that way. I’ve never seen it. You know even in that game [Super Bowl XLVI], it’s 21-17. That’s the game. There wasn’t a quarterback just up and down the field carrying the team.

“Yeah, he made the plays down the stretch, no question about it,” added Warner, who spent the 2004 season with Eli in New York. “He’s had two great playoff runs, or his team has had two great playoff runs. But I also look at the rest of his career. I mean, he has an 82 . . . quarterback rating throughout his career. You know, he’s had five of his eight seasons where he has thrown 16 interceptions or more. His completion percentage on his career is 58 percent. To me, those aren’t Hall of Fame numbers and by that I mean every time you step on the field you’re a game changer, you’re a difference maker. And I don’t believe Eli Manning has been that guy until this year. I think this year is the first time in his career when he’s become that guy.”

Warner said that, if Eli performs like he did this year for five more seasons, then he’ll be worthy of inclusion among the league’s all-time greats. Without that, Warner thinks Eli should be kept out due to the fact that he has been “extremely inconsistent throughout his career.”

It’s persuasive stuff, despite the potential bias that a guy like Warner may have when it comes to setting the bar for inclusion. Warner won only one Super Bowl, and he’s less than 5,000 passing yards and only 23 touchdown passes ahead of Eli. But Warner was twice the league MVP, which under his own explanation of what it takes to get to Canton makes his career seem more impressive.

I’m not saying Warner is twisting the standard to suit his own interests deliberately, but it’s normal where there’s no clear, objective formula to define greatness in a way that enhances the great things the person providing the definition has done. Warner has been a “game changer” more often than Eli, even though Eli has won two Super Bowls — and two Super Bowl MVP awards — and barring injury Eli’s final career stats likely will dwarf Warner’s.

But at least Warner is willing to take a position publicly and defend it, unlike the 44 men and women who under the cover of the Hall of Fame’s by laws can’t be compelled to provide details regarding why they’ve voted the way they’ve voted, and why others in the room have cast their own ballots.

Kurt Warner also had a relatively short career, why should he be a shoo in for Canton?

He was good, he may have been great, but he wasn’t exceptional. I mean in the era of Peyton, Brady, Brees, as well as some other QBs how well did he do when facing them?

He also didn’t have the longevity to say what he did about career numbers. If he is 1 season ahead of Eli with his numbers this year that means on an average Eli year he is at most 1.5 years away. Eli has what between 5 – 10 years left.

Yeah Kurt, you should be careful what you say about things like that before people look more closely at you.

When Warner played for the Giants he was the one that made it clear that he should be pulled in order for Eli to start without having to look over his shoulder- so bias goes out the window. I agree with Kurt, the Giants won the Superbowl more so on the play of their team especially their D in the post season then that of Manning.

Between Warner and Eli int their prime, I take Warner hands down even though I hate his personality….

tfbuckfutter says:Feb 7, 2012 5:37 PM

I still say Kurt Warner is not a Hall of Famer.

I would compare him to Terrell Davis. A couple of really exceptional years….but not nearly enough of them.

And at least T.D.’s were bunched together and not spread out across three teams and multiple benchings.

Although I disagree with Warner somewhat on this (Warner did lead two dead franchises to a SB), he has some strong points. Eli is really a streaky QB… he wins games in bunches and loses games in bunches. His career stats are average and at times can be a turnover machine (2007, 2010).

… but, he is 7-1 on the road in the playoffs (every other QB with 6 wins has at least 4 losses), has 2 SB rings and 2 Super Bowl MVPs. And you can’t take that away from him. When he does hang it up he deserves some strong consideration, and if he can add a league MVP/another SB to his resume (doesn’t even need to win it, just get there), then he’s a sure bet to be in.

east96st says:Feb 7, 2012 5:39 PM

“I’m not saying Warner is twisting the standard to suit his own interests deliberately”

Ok, I will. Warner spent 8 years of his career in an offense built almost entirely around the pass. He played with several HOF quality WRs and one of the greatest pass catching RBs in NFL history. 6 years in a dome, 5 in the desert. That means for 11 years he played half of his games in ideal conditions for a QB. I think Warner DOES deserve serious consideration for the Hall, but let’s be honest, you CAN find flaws in his record just like he’s finding them in Eli’s. BTW – I don’t think Eli goes into the Hall yet, either, but he’s showing all the signs that he’s well on his way.

benh999 says:Feb 7, 2012 5:40 PM

Eli would not be deserving of a spot in Canton if his career ended today. He has had some awful games that put his team in terrible positions. Let him win consistently for a few years before we start calling him a future HOF’er.

cincyorangenblack says:Feb 7, 2012 5:40 PM

can somebody please get Ken Anderson back on the ballots

paybizzy says:Feb 7, 2012 5:40 PM

Warner>Sheli The Poll Dont Lie Warner Was A Grocery Baggin Football Throwin Machine

The media is perpetuating this HOF thing and it’s too early to talk about any of that. Let Eli finish his career and then see the numbers. I think if he continues to play like he played this year for the rest of his career then I think he’s in and if he wins another SB, then it’s not even a question.

cakemixa says:
Feb 7, 2012 5:31 PM
This HOF non-sense wouldn’t even be going on if 1) his last name wasn’t Manning and/or 2) he didn’t play in New York. Lol.
================
3) If he hadn’t beaten the Patriots TWICE
4) If Warner had beaten the Steelers.

Of course, I’d like to see more of the same from Eli as well, but the fact is The Hall of Fame says you’re wrong, Kurt.

Take a look at some of the QBs that are in there that have far worse numbers than Eli even at THIS point in his career.

So I’m sorry Kurt – Between his name, the city he plays for, and the fact that he has twice as many rings as you do, I’m afraid he’s getting in whether you like it or not.

deadeye says:Feb 7, 2012 5:43 PM

Warner probably is right. But in his argument he admits that if Eli plays for five more seasons like he did this season, he should get it in. Thus the correct statement is, “Eli isn’t HOF material, YET.”

The reason the Giants won the game was because of theyre PASS RUSH. Now way should Eli have been given the MVP, let alone even talk of enshrinement in the HOF. The MVP award should have been given to the Giants defensive line, they had Brady on the move for the majority of the game. And kudos to NFL.com for writing the article asking if Eli was better than Peyton, it made me laugh so hard. Eli will never reach the status of his brother, no matter how many rings. Like Kurt said championships are won by TEAMS not individuals. QBs get wayyyy to much credit. If it had come down to a winning field goal, would Eli still have been regarded as the reason the team won? nah. so f*&k all the talk about Eli Manning.

The reason the Giants won the game was because of theyre PASS RUSH. Now way should Eli have been given the MVP, let alone even talk of enshrinement in the HOF. The MVP award should have been given to the Giants defensive line, they had Brady on the move for the majority of the game. And kudos to NFL.com for writing the article asking if Eli was better than Peyton, it made me laugh so hard. Eli will never reach the status of his brother, no matter how many rings. Like Kurt said championships are won by TEAMS not individuals. QBs get wayyyy to much credit. If it had come down to a winning field goal, would Eli still have been regarded as the reason the team won? nah. so f*&k all the talk about Eli Manning.

jbl429 says:Feb 7, 2012 5:44 PM

Seems like he’s whining to me. Sure Eli may not be a hall-of-famer NOW, but he’s also not retiring NOW. He’s on pace to crush most of Warner’s numbers, and if he plays as well next year as he did this year, he’ll have a shot at his first NFL MVP. Add the fact that he’s in the prime of his career, with the potential to get another Super Bowl ring, and it’s hard to argue that Eli is at least on PACE for the HOF.

Who cares if he wouldn’t get in if he retired today, the guy is in the prime of his career and has the potential to put a lot of other QBs numbers to shame before it’s all said and done.

I love QB’s as much as the next guy, but when did we start giving them ALL the credit for SB wins? Eli has 8 playoff wins and his defense never allowed more than 20 points in any of those wins. His defense gives up only 15 ppg in their wins. Im sure there are MANY QBs who could have beaten the Pats in 2 Superbowls if their defense held them to 14 points and 17 points respectively.

Similar story for Brady… His defense averages 16 points in his playoff wins, but 22 points in his playoff losses. His actual numbers drop dramatically from regular season to playoffs, but his D has been excellent. Peyton Manning won his 1st Super Bowl while playing rather poorly in that specific playoff run.

WAAAAAY to much credit and blame is given to QB’s for TEAM victories.

hiperactivodg says:Feb 7, 2012 5:46 PM

Warner had 4 great years in between many mediocre years, he always needed great WRs to be succesful and he was never able to carry a team by himself furthermore, he was sent to the bech because of Eli… so, he’s is not an objective opinion.

polegojim says:Feb 7, 2012 5:46 PM

So far… I agree w Kurt.

Eli is a better than average QB… but I’d take him on my team any day.

We’ll see what Eli does the rest of the way that truly sets him apart from the pack, and provides a compelling story. So far… meh…. nice rings.

2sausage11 says:Feb 7, 2012 5:46 PM

I totally agree with Kurt on this.If he played half as good in the other 3 qts as the 4th

jeffw says:Feb 7, 2012 5:46 PM

Warner was 1-2 in Super Bowl games. That’s a .333 winning %.

rodgersmvp says:Feb 7, 2012 5:46 PM

I’ve always felt bad for the way Warner’s career played out. He was constantly undervalued his entire life. He went undrafted, and was benched for lesser QB’s all the time (Eli being one of them – especially that first year). In the 3 seasons that Kurt started all 16 games, he took his team to the Super Bowl.

That is an insane statistic. Whenever he was given the chance he rose above the fray and took his team to the next level. That is what spells a truly HOF career. Eli isn’t there yet, but I like him and hope he has enough success to make it to Canton.

Bobby Montano says:Feb 7, 2012 5:48 PM

This proves how caught up in the moment we fans get. About a year ago one would have been excoriated on this same website for considering Manning worthy of Canton. After one season of consistent excellence, Eli is a Hall lock?

I do think that Eli has been better than he has been given credit for over the past few years, but is the next few that will really define his career. Barring a major injury he will have probably five or so more years in his prime. Then we can have this discussion.

Before you roast him what Warner is saying is if Eli’s career ended today he would not be HOF worthy which is completely correct but if he keeps up his 2011 through the rest of his career than he’s most definitely in that conversation.

Also since when has Warner been tooting his own horn about being in the HOF? He didn’t say Eli’s not worthy but I totally am though. He just answered about Eli and the HOF.

skittlesareyum says:Feb 7, 2012 5:51 PM

If Marino can get in without any Super Bowl wins (and he more than deserves it) why would the inverse be true and Super Bowl wins automatically qualify you for the Hall? Manning has played well over his career, and he played really well this year, but it hasn’t been well enough to get in the Hall.

Yet. He has a lot of time left, and if keeps playing like 2011 he will be in. I just don’t buy the argument “2 SB = HoF”. It’s often true, but also not that simple.

duanethomas says:Feb 7, 2012 5:52 PM

Valid points to a certain extent, but Warner was no game changer everytime he stepped on the field. He got ran out of St.Louis and NY. Also Eli has done more with less, look up who Warner had to throw to compared to Eli. So if Eli doesn’t get in Warner doesn’t either, and Eli’s wife is better looking and keeps her mouth shut by not calling into sportstalk radio shows………

kappy32 says:Feb 7, 2012 5:54 PM

I’m a huge NYG fan, but if Eli hung up his cleats tomorrow, he wouldn’t be a hall of famer. However, Eli is only 31 & he has 3-4 more prime years to play. At the end of that time, with maybe another Super Bowl or 2, Eli will be a Hall of Famer. By that time he will be ahead of Dan Fours in passing yards, ahead of Montana in TDs & hell have no less that 2 Super Bowls & 2 Super Bowl MVPs. That is the résumé of a hall of famer.

bct11554 says:Feb 7, 2012 5:54 PM

Has Kurt not seen all the 4th quarter comebacks that Eli has had through out career.

jdandcoke says:Feb 7, 2012 5:55 PM

if eli ended his career today he wouldnt get in. if he has even three more years similar to this one, and plays another average four years after that he’ll rank in the top 10 in every QB catagory that there is. there is a very real chance that eli will throw over 350 career td’s…and thats being conservative. as of right now fran tarkenton is 4th all-time with 342.

by the time eli is done he will COAST into the hall JUST on his career numbers….his titles will just be the icing on the cake.

2 mvp’s, started playing well into his twenties, a title, no notoriety, I dont know sounds good to me. revived the Cards, and believe me they were bad…sounds like a winner to me. While I do agree winning titles is awesome no gives big ben his just do at all. Ben is never out of the playoffs and he makes plenty of eli 2007 superbowl play on the regular, oh yea in the superbowl as well.. If you look at the stats they are very similar except for Eli throwing 30 more pics…Ben gets no elite consideration and eli stays in the convo. This is certainly a what have you done for me lately league…kinda terrible. Eli is good but he’s always had a veteran team and and great coaching…

kappy32 says:Feb 7, 2012 5:58 PM

And as for Kurt Warner, he is a hands down first ballot hall of famer. He was breaking records when no one was coming close to them & he brought two abysmal franchises to great success; a SB with STL & a NFC Championship with ARI.

Where is Warner coming from ?? I’m not even a NYG fan, but the discussion is there…now…. Given his age and what he’s likely to accomplish from here on out, it’s pretty likely that he’ll end up in the HOF by the end of his career. Now, Warner, to me was always a system QB. But that’s neither here nor there…

Warner is still upset because the G-men chose Eli over him years ago… Let it go, Kurt…

jdandcoke says:Feb 7, 2012 6:04 PM

eli is basically half way done with his career. take his numbers so far and double them…..and then look where they rank all time.

even the biggest eli hater will be stunned at the numbers hes on pace for.

@billhance:
Total b.s. argument. To compare QB ratings from different eras holds no water. The game has completely changed. Especially when bringing up pre-merger QBs comprising half your list. To imply BStarr or even TBradshaw compare as passers to top QBs of today is ridiculous.

mrjackson206 says:Feb 7, 2012 6:05 PM

Thank you Captain Obvious aka Kurt Warner. While it may be true for now that Eli isn’t a HOF’r that’s merely because he hasn’t been in the league quite long enough yet. He’ll be a lock by the time his career ends.

Now you on the other hand Kurt are obviously NOT A HOF’R. Besides it took Bruce, Holt, & Faulk to give you the one ring you have. You aren’t worthy for the simple fact that you couldn’t do it when you had Fitz, Boldin, & Hightower at your disposal.

Obviously you need to get crack backed again to get some sense knocked back into you.

dubaradhandi says:Feb 7, 2012 6:05 PM

On spot Warner. It’s insane already to hear Eli own Brady etc. Give Brady the NYG roaster, he will never lose a game. How many losing season this guy has and what’s the body of work. Eli is a good QB in the range of rivers and Ben. Just not let us carried away including him with Rogers, Bree’s and Brady yet.

hooterdawg says:Feb 7, 2012 6:05 PM

Kurt’s strings are getting pulled by his loudmouthed wife. She is jealous that Eli buried Kurt on the bench and forced their butts across the country to Hicksville, AZ.

PFTiswhatitis says:Feb 7, 2012 6:06 PM

@billhance: Brady is a 3 time SB winner not a 2 time winner and he has played in 5 superbowls.

I’m sure 2 time SB MVP, Eli.te Manning, could give two cahoots what 2 time SB loser Kurt Warner has to say about him right now as he holds aloft the Lombardi trophy down Broadway.

Two great playoff runs???? How about a heck of a 2011 season, where if not for insane Rodgers and Brees seasons, he’s the league MVP to go along with his two rings to your one.

Eli had a heck of a year last year in 2010, the media just won’t let you know about it because of his dreaded 25 INTs half of which were tipped passes from his young receivers.
He had 2 TDs more in 2010 than 2011 but 900 less yards, a lot had to do with the lack of defense and running game this year.

I don’t think making it Eli vs Warner is the fair end debate for what Warner said. I think he was just trying to say something I’ve heard many say, which was Eli up until this season had never really put it all together for a complete season, which also isn’t necessarily all his fault because he didn’t have all that amazing of a WR corp around him until the last few seasons. For a few years it was Plax & whatever they could get from everyone else, but last couple of seasons with Smith (gone, obviously), Nicks, Cruz, Manningham etc his 2010-2011 performance certainly left a lot to be desired.

I don’t think Warner meant to put it in his favor in regards to HOF chances, because he is very aware that for something like 5 straight seasons he was a complete non-factor, even a couple of seasons throwing to Larry Fitzgerald. Even the year in New York, he was winning but it wasn’t like he was playing game changing QB out there. At his healthy peak & his last 3 seasons in Arizona Kurt Warner absolutely played his way into the HOF & I think he was just trying to say that Eli needs to have a few more seasons like that.

skittlesareyum says:Feb 7, 2012 6:10 PM

Who’s Kurt Warner? Now I remember. He is the grocery stocker turned arena QB and NFL. Great story. I think he played for Rams. Was that the Cleveland Rams, LA, or St. Louis? How did they do?

Says the guy that played in domes his whole career and beat the mighty Titans in the SB on a game saving tackle.

eli2tyree4 says:Feb 7, 2012 6:11 PM

Both deserve to be in.

goodellsucks43 says:Feb 7, 2012 6:11 PM

The only way Eli doesn’t make the HOF is if his level of play falls off a cliff the rest of his career. My guess is he wins another ring at some point (and this is coming from an Eagles fan.)

wlubake says:Feb 7, 2012 6:11 PM

Clearly Eli has more years ahead. He’s on his way to a hall of fame career, though. Warner uses Eli’s average numbers against him, which will look better each year as he adds veteran stats to those from his early years when he was thrown into the fire.

Also, while Plunkett has two rings and isn’t in, is there anyone with two Super Bowl MVP’s that isn’t in? I don’t know of anyone.

Eli will crank out 4,000+ yards and 25+ TD’s for at least 5-6 years. He’ll also keep cranking out consecutive starts, building on his current active QB Iron Man status.

Finally, Kurt, he’s going to win another Super Bowl before he retires.

sharks123 says:Feb 7, 2012 6:14 PM

He’s right on the money, you don’t get in the hall of fame with a couple good playoff runs. Eli has more work to do. BTW, Kyle Williams says you’re welcome giants.

hooterdawg says:Feb 7, 2012 6:15 PM

Many people overlook that Eli plays in the most pressure-packed media cauldron in the NFL. The NYC frenzy melted Warner, and is doing the same to Sanchez. Eli has slowly adapted to the scrutiny, and has now succeeded where few before him have. He will only get better.

The best part of all of this is how Eli will handle himself when asked about this. Someone of his stature and recent greatness in the city he lives in could easily let this affect him. But he is truly humble and a class act. But one thing people may not realize is that he is an awesome competitor and a baby faced assassin. So as a giants fan, thanks you Kurt for making Eli just a little bit better for next year.

shlort says:Feb 7, 2012 6:16 PM

In todays NFL the requirements for QBs getting in the HOF are going to be different than all those old greats. The passing game is twice what it once was. Warner has a point. Compare Eli to quarterbacks who have been playing over the past 10 or 15 years. Is he the best? Or, has he just been good and on good teams? Like Warner said. If Eli can keep himself on the current level he played this year, for the next 5 years, he will be there. If he reverts back to his old ways of tossing picks and being less than great in his accuracy, he will not. People are short sighted. What if Trent Dilfer had managed another SB ring? Would he be a HOF guy? Eli isnt even the best Manning in the NFL.

ijr213 says:Feb 7, 2012 6:16 PM

If Warner isn’t ready to give Eli a spot in Canton, then Warner should never prepare that speech himself. Warner only had in his career 5 good seasons, spent a lot of time on the IR and was benched twice.

This isn’t to say that Kurt isn’t good. This is to say that Eli deserves a Canton bust more than Kurt does.

Warner had the benefit of playing with a 1st overall pick (orlando pace) and a couple of the greatest WR’s in Holt and Bruce. Oh yeah, I forgot about Marshall Faulk, he kinda helped Warner out too. Warner also was throwing to Anquan Bolden and Larry Fitzgerald for a while there too. Eli won a superbowl without Strahan an Burress.

It’s a shame Warner really only played 6 or 7 full seasons. But those 6-7 seasons he was unbelievable. He was incredibly accurate and could stand in and take a shot. Most thought his career was finished when he left the Giants. He resurrected the Arizona Cardinals and if not for the Holmes “touchdown” he’d have taken 2 teams to titles and won SB MVP twice.

He has the 3 biggest passing games in Super Bowl history.

What he speaks about Manning is truth. He has a career rating of 82 and the last 3 seasons after fast starts for the team they have finished a combined 10-17 in the regular season. It was only because they played in the pathetic NFC East that they even got to the playoffs this season.

Sorry but I think both of these QB’s will get in when it’s all said and done. Doesn’t matter if Manning’s regular seasons are inconsistent. He’s clutch and he delivers when it matters….in superbowls. Warner will get in not because of his numbers but because of his story: leading 2 crappy franchises to superbowls and where he was before he came into the NFL. By Warner’s logic, Tom Brady just recently became HoF material. The first 3 superbowls Brady won were on run-heavy offenses with tight defenses and clutch kicking. It’s arguably possible they would’ve won those superbowls with Trent Dilfer or present day Alex Smith at QB in those days.

I hate Kurt Warner and you idiots are making me have to agree with him? Everything he said was dead on, I don’t even understand why it’s a story — it’s common sense.

Think of it this way, in the last year who put up more points in a Super Bowl — Eli Manning or the Buccaneers defense? Well answer – Bucs defense (21 points vs 17 and 19 for Eli).

Against an all-time worst Super Bowl defense Eli was only able to generate 19 points. That Pats defense was horrible, awful and yet Eli couldn’t really move the ball. The Giants defense deserve 10x the credit they’re getting for keeping the game within reach for Eli to matter.

As for Warner, I know the one time he did face an elite defense in the ’99-00 NFC Championship game vs the Bucs he put up 11 points. If the refs didn’t invent the ‘Burt Emanuel’ rule on the fly and handed the game to the Rams he wouldn’t even have his one championship.

But one thing I think we can all agree on is that Kurt Warner is a World Champion Grocery Bagger!

Now less talking on the radio Kurt, I need someone to push my shopping cart to my bar.

edelmanfanclub says:Feb 7, 2012 6:35 PM

Eli is in his prime now, he’ll coast from here to the end and will finish a hall of famers, and yes his team is great and won those superbowls. That being said, he is part of that team.

hooterdawg says:Feb 7, 2012 6:36 PM

The media is the only source of this Eli-for-Canton discussion. Not even Eli’s biggest fans assume that Eli should be in the discussion at this point of his career. Such premature musings preceded Eli with the assumed Cantonization of Brady and Peyton. Brady and Peyton have run up ridiculous stats by playing in weaker divisions than the NFC East. Brady won his 3 rings when he was just a kid on a team with a strong defense and a great PK. He never led a final winning TD drive in any of those SB victories. In his last two SB losses, Eli led winning TD drives twice. And…in each case, Brady had the ball last and arguably enough time to tie or win the game – but failed. Oh, but he has all these seasons of playing videogame football against weaker opponents. This season he rang up a 13-3 record without any victories over a team with a .500 record or better. He has no rings in 7 years. Why is he a shoe-in for the HOF again?

jenniferxxx says:Feb 7, 2012 6:37 PM

This is the same Kurt Warner that bemoaned how the Patriots cheated him out of a second Superbowl.

You’d think he’d be happy … rich, and famous and all that … but he’s not. He’s a bitter guy who’s carrying a lot of baggage.

If Eli Manning were a poker player, he’d hit every one-outer and his 7-2 would crack aces every time. There is no luckier player in sports, let alone football. A Hall of Famer he is not.

billhance says:Feb 7, 2012 6:48 PM

@tedmurph
I agree 100%. Kurt Warner made the QB rating a qualifier for the HOF not me.

@PFTiswhatitis
Thanks for the history lesson except that I said two time Superbowl MVP.

whatswiththehate says:Feb 7, 2012 6:53 PM

I sure Kurt Warren must feel Andrew Luck is HOF bound before Eli simply because his friends in the media said so.

Kurt is really starting to show his true colors. He needs to go riding off into the sunset and go do his reality tv show.

Talk about someone who seems himself as an entertainer and an Icon.

tedmurph says:Feb 7, 2012 6:53 PM

Warner didn’t say anything about the Pats cheating him, you made that up jenny. As for Manning, he has the rings(more of a team accomplishment) but not the numbers, yet. He’s only made the Pro Bowl 2x in 8 yrs, meaning he wasn’t even considered one of the top 6 QBs during his career so far. He’s still getting better, time will tell. Not yet.

sunlion333 says:Feb 7, 2012 6:53 PM

If you look at prior seasons, Eli has improved every single year. There is no reason to believe, with his work ethic and football smarts, that this won’t continue. I would think by now that all the ELi haters would just be embarrassed enough to shut up. Mark my words, Eli will be in Canton when all is said and done and I’m not so sure Warner will be. The reason why this is even being discussed at this point is the ever present 24 hour news cycle and the lack of quality journalism.

thesarcasm says:Feb 7, 2012 6:56 PM

Before it is all said and done, Eli’s #’s will dwarf Kurt Turnover Machine Warner.

I guess ole Kurt is still bitter about getting benched at a job he never earned to start with..

All the warnerphiles can pitch in buy Warner a ticket to the Hall of Fame. The only way he makes it.

ggbblue says:Feb 7, 2012 6:58 PM

A fascinating discussion topic for Eli Manning. He’s destroyed the “Is He Elite?” question. Now he’s moved into the “He’s Not A HOFer” discussion. Give this guy a few more years and he’ll destroy that argument as well. My new nickname for Eli Manning is The Destroyer. People keep trying to tell him what he’s not and he keeps proving them wrong in the coldest most methodical way. UnbELIevable. Watch Eli make it into the HOF over Warner.

The guy just won his 2nd superbowl, and hes young, so why the hell is hof even a question? Let the guy enjoy his victory, the giants earned it. And I expect crap like that out of favre’s mouth, not u mr warner. Smh

tedmurph says:Feb 7, 2012 6:58 PM

Billhance, Warner didn’t make QB rating a qualifier, he merely pointed out that an 82 rating(as well as the rest of Manning’s numbers) in today’s game is mediocre at best. Not saying Manning won’t make it, just that I agree with Warner at this point in his career.

Preventing 19-0 from happening should get everyone involved into the HOF. Didn’t Warner, who clearly believes he is HOF worthy, lose his job to Eli? Maybe they you can both get in Kurt…even though you couldn’t and still cannot handle the media very well…no wonder it went so terrible in NY.

You’re actually exactly right. I just compared stats. Ben has less yards passing and less TDs than Eli, but also less games started.

He also has fewer ints, more wins, better completion percentage, a passer rating that is 10 points higher, and ranks 4th all time for yards per attempt, which (if you know anything about football) is an indication of a prolific passer.

He reached 25,000 yards passing in fewer attempts than Johnny Unitas. In fact, he did it faster than anyone not named (are you ready for this?) Kurt Warner.

Ben was horrible in XL, but he was robbed of the MVP in XLIII.

No one is giving him Canton consideration yet.

Like I said, Eli has to just keep playing like he did in 2011 and he’ll get in.

Ben has to keep up his level of play, too, but Eli will get in before Ben, even if Ben had a better career.

That’s just because Ben is fun to hate.

nfl1818 says:Feb 7, 2012 7:04 PM

“in each case, Brady had the ball last and arguably enough time to tie or win the game – but failed. Oh, but he has all these seasons of playing videogame football against weaker opponents. This season he rang up a 13-3 record without any victories over a team with a .500 record or better. He has no rings in 7 years. Why is he a shoe-in for the HOF again?”

dont be so bitter – you won the game

bradnw12 says:Feb 7, 2012 7:04 PM

I agree with Kurt, he isn’t one if he retired today, but by the end his career I think he will be.

turboreattore says:Feb 7, 2012 7:05 PM

What a bonehead comment by Kurt. John Elway has 79.9 rating in his career, anybody can say he doesn’t deserve the hall of fame? Stats and rating have nothing to do with the HOF induction.

Hey Kurt when done with your break go out and bring in the shopping carts

And then back to bagging

laidlowo says:Feb 7, 2012 7:15 PM

Warner has played with 1 already HOf(Faulk)and 4 potential….Pace,Holt,Bruce and Fitzgerald…..How many has Eli played with.Has Warner forgotten about his last few yrs in St.Louis,where he was benched,his time in NY and his time in Ari wasn.’t astronomical.He could’ve been the first to lead a 9-7 team to Superbowl,but I guess Eli’s team had to do that….Eli is in the prime of his career and projecting foward can be more of a HOF than Warner

jeepguy6 says:Feb 7, 2012 7:17 PM

Why talk about whether someone is HOF Worthy when they are only halfway through their career? Kurt Warner on the other hand has already retired at this point and we can definitively say he doesn’t belong in the HOF. I mean he played with some of the best offensive players of his time (Faulk and Holt included) and they only won 1 ring.

have to agree with Kurt…is Payton Manning a HOFer? Brett Favre? absolutely, no question. both of them have half as many super bowl wins as Eli. Trent Dilfer has half as many as well, and has no business ever being mentioned anywhere near a HOF ballet. Championships are won and lost as a team. individual statistics and being a man among men on the field of play are what should punch your ticket to Canton.

nfl1818 says:Feb 7, 2012 7:21 PM

prob 5-7 more years

Do you think playing in the same era as Brady, Rodgers and Brees and Peyton will hurt Eli ?

billhance says:Feb 7, 2012 7:22 PM

@tedmurph

I didn’t see where he said that his numbers were mediocre at best. That’s probably because he didn’t. He implied that Eli’s numbers weren’t good enough for the Hall of Fame (which I would agree).

I think his argument is as flawed as anybody who is stating that Eli should be in HOF and I was pointing out his error.

Joe Namath is in the HOF and his numbers were mediocre. He only made one pro bowl. He wasn’t even the best guy on the field during the Jets SB win. How did he get in? Perhaps because numbers only tell part of the story and I think that’s the case with Eli.

jeepguy6 says:Feb 7, 2012 7:24 PM

BTW, Aikman is in the HOF… his career TD and Ints? 165-141… and he has career passer rating under 82.

You can’t judge everything by numbers. It’s when those numbers came. Like Eli being so cool in the clutch is what makes him so special.

pongonfl says:Feb 7, 2012 7:28 PM

Both are.
Right now Warner more so. To do what he did with two teams. Clear cut HOF quarterback.

Eli.
I think he is an HOF qb, Plays in a brutal division and won two Superbowls out of that division. He plays for a tougher team that does very well in playoffs. Part of that toughness is HIM.

Fun debate. Really, it all boils down to how much you weight you afford his numbers compared to such feats as beating arguably the greatest QB/Coach twice on the greatest stage (which nobody has ever accomplished).

For his entire career except for the 8 games he played in NY, Warner played in a dome in the absolute worst division the league has ever seen with some of the greatest weaponry ever assembled. Yet, he barely beat an underwhelming Titans in the SB and lost to NE when the Rams were huge faves.

Eli is a 2x SB MVP who beat a 2x SB MVP in 2 SBs. Yeah his defense kept him in the game but I didn’t see the defense generating 2 late 4th Q drives down in the SB to beat a dynastic team not once but twice.

Eli is a once in a lifetime QB as far as achievements that should be weighed more when discussing HOF merit. What he has done in the preceding paragraph should weigh considerably more than QBR, ints, and yards (even though any QB you name me would have lesser numbers playing in the Meadowlands 8x per year and playing in the NFC East generally where outdoor elements are a big part of play). After all, would you rather have a QB who can win you some fantasy leagues or one that can beat any QB the NFL has ever seen?

If Eli retired today, he should be a FBHOF.

tedmurph says:Feb 7, 2012 7:36 PM

@billhance:
Warner didn’t imply Manning’s #’s were not HOF, he explicitly said so. The implication being, his numbers during his career are mediocre, which they are. He’s not in error. It’s hard to compare guys from different eras, but easy to compare to their peers. Manning, with his 2 Pro-Bowls and current numbers is not HOF material at this point, despite his rings. Last week people were arguing whether he was an ‘elite QB’ right now. It is arguable whether Namath belongs in the HOF, but he helped win one of the most important games in NFL history when you consider the AFL and eventual merger, and I’m sure his off feild charisma had something to do with it. Comparing #’s w/ 1969 FB is meaningless.

I’m usually open to any kind of debate, but this Eli Manning/HoF debate is just completely stupid. To suggest Eli Manning is in the same company as Marino, Montana, Young et al, or even Peyton for that matter, is just silly. Let’s say what Warner said all together people: football is a team game. Winning two Superbowls doesn’t automatically make you a HoF quarterback (ask JimPlunkett)

repojam says:Feb 7, 2012 7:43 PM

If he retires today? Probably not.

If he plays for 5 or 6 more years? Who knows. It wouldn’t surprise me. Eli may not have the best numbers, but he can certainly make a play when it’s needed.

You don’t have to win by a lot, you just have to win. Eli’s great in the fourth quarter and that’s the one that counts the most.

5 Straight Years, from 2002-2006, Warner did not even throw for 3000 yards. Suddenly, he uses 16 INT’s as the barometer, but in Warner’s career he threw 13, 18, 22, 17, 14, 14. So, how does 16 become the bench mark?

I can’t speak for his time in Arizona and St. Louis, but he sucked in NY. I mean the guy was benched because he literally could not keep his hands on the ball. He had something like 12 Fumbles in about 9 games. He was awful.

Eli plays every game, is mentally and physically tough. Kurt Warner was constantly injured, was a mental nutcase, and without getting the benefit of playing with Boldin and Fitzgerald, would have been basically a two year wonder.

Never a Warner fan, but I do agree with what hes saying. Manning has been an over rated quarterback for most of his career, and his stats don’t scream “Elite Quarterback”. He looked much better at times this year, but he needs to maintain that play in order to be a HOFer IMO.

Yes, he has now won two super bowls, and thats impressive… but how much of that is what Eli did, and how much was what the team did? For example, without a 1 in 100 circus catch on a rather bad pass by Manning (during the Giants final drive), there would have been no Super Bowl win for Manning in 2007. Hell, on Sunday Manning didn’t do anything really great either. The Patriots gave Manning a lot of short passes which helped blow up his stats, and he just didn’t do anything stupid. Does that make him great? I personally don’t think so.

Warner is wrong. The Eli HOF debate has a futuristic sense to it. He got 6-7 competitive years left to go. Do the math. Regular season record means nothing if he doesn’t get u to the big dance. How many great regular season record disappear in the playoff. There is no clear cut criteria for who goes in or stays out of the HOF. As for the high int # by Eli. I wander if he uses the same nearing sticks for breese too cause breese throw just as many as Eli. Breese can’t play in the cold. Eli can. I can see Eli win one or more chips in the nx 6-7 yrs. numbers r overrated. Result aren’t.

I cannot agree with Kurt anymore. Everything he said is valid. Everyone wants put a guy in the hall of fame just because he won. His numbers are average for a quarterback. Just because hes good doesnt necessarily mean he is a hall of fame worthy quarterback. Kurt Warner himself is a hall of fame quarterback. He carried teams. We have seen many moments when this Giants defense has carried Eli Manning. Not mention Eli Manning spent his first 4 years of NFL quarterback looking like Tim Tebow. So before we deem Eli as a hall of famer we need to slow down and look at his body of work.

I was looking at Eli’s #’s earlier & I agree with Warner 100%. Of the modern day QBs(1980s on) his #s are 3-4 years away of reaching the HOF mark. Not saying he won’t get there but as of right now he’s not a HOF.

But, as the HOF voters have proven, they’re willing to put horrible QBs with multiple Super Bowl wins in the HOF. Look no further than Troy Aikman. Only one season of more than 20 TDs passes… really? Only five 3000 yard seasons, 24 TD more than ints leading to a pedestrian 81.6 QB rating.

I think it’s funny that a lot of people are claiming that Warner is not a HOFamer either, as an argument in favor of Eli.
Relax folks. As far as I can tell, Warner is not claiming that *he’s* a HOF player. He’s simply commenting on how he doesn’t think Eli is a HOF player yet. He does say that Eli would be one if he continues like he had this season.

He’s right. As of right now, Eli does not have a HOF resume.
Good news for Eli is that he has a few years to get it.
He’s had an excellent season and if he continues like that he’ll get in.

Finally someone with a BRAIN! Eli Manning is not a HOF player…not yet anyway.

Any talk to put him in the same category as the greats is crazy at this point in his career. Maybe 5 or 6 years from now he might be. NOT TODAY!

27500 yrds, 185TD and 129ints. 58% career completion percentage.

in 07 when they beat the Pats he was lucky. Tyree with that catch and getting away from the sack which 50% of the time the Ref blows the whistle and calls him in the grasp. Without that play they dont win. This year he was impressive, but he still needed a GREAT catch on the sideline, 3 fumbles and not turning the ball over, Welker dropping a ball he almost always catches, a near miss hail mary and a 50 yards down the field INT by a run stuffing LB to squeak out a win this year.

if Eli is a hofamer, what about big ben.
I think hes had a better career so far than Eli.
they both need a few more great seasons. even if they dont win any more super bowls. it will take more yards, less INt’s and better a QB rating .

I’m in agreement with Warner. Manning has looked bad for the bulk of his career. He makes an awful lot of bad throws. Outside of 2 great runs, he hasn’t done well. But he’s still early in his career and he has the chance to be among the best if he keeps this up.

markmckeeexp says:Feb 7, 2012 8:54 PM

So… where to start. First off, ironically, Warner may have just talked HIMSELF out of the Hall. Peter King and the other 43 HOF voters will read these comments, which are insane btw, and naturally apply this logic to Kurt. Personally I believe it’s time to get over the “Not For Latinos” phase, and put Jim Plunkett in the Hall, (2 SB wins, but Mexican), who certainly deserves it more than Warner. second, shouldn’t there be a penalty for QBs smoking crack, even AFTER you retire as a player? It would appear that Warner & Theismann were either sharing a crack pipe or huffing glue recently.

You cannot be considered a hall of gamer if you were never even top 3 at your position in any season of your career. The hall of fame is for players who dominated. Sorry but last year Eli had more turnovers than touchdowns. Can you say that about any other QB in the hall of fame that was that bad in the prime of their career? Brady, manning, brees, and Rodgers from this era…. Sorry Eli

orcheon says:Feb 7, 2012 9:21 PM

He’ll get in because his last name is Manning.

Ask Jim Plunkett where 2 rings gets you.

Allycat209 says:Feb 7, 2012 9:22 PM

Eli is not a game changer? Nonsense. I’m sorry, but Kurt comes off as bitter. Can’t take him seriously here. Eli’s building towards the Hall of Fame. It’s clear as day.

radrntn says:Feb 7, 2012 9:27 PM

Canton is becoming like the BCS.. you have a bunch of bozo’s in the media who determine the outcome, which slants everything in favor to the east coast…so because he plays in NY he is a lock for canton

Really the only one who should vote for canton are the players, past and present, and nobody else.

zaggs says:Feb 7, 2012 9:39 PM

I guess i’m not supposed to remember Eli replaced Kurt Warner in New York huh? Talk about inconsistent? Warner couldn’t even lead a team to double digit wins and got yanked for a rookie.

Just because he was lucky to come in and get an opportunity to drive a Ferrari does not mean he is going to be inducted in the HOF! What has this P*$$Y ever done besides that one lucky year! I bet he would not even start if he was fresh in the league yet alone he would not even compete with Brady, the Mannings, Rodgers, Brees, Rivers, Roethlisberger, Ryan. This fool competed with Brett Farve 1999 Green Bay Packers 255.7 ypg 6.9 yds/att (no supporting cast), Troy Aikman 14gms 211.7 ypg, 6.3 yds/att (reaching end of career no supporting cast), Steve Young 3 gms 57 ypg 5.2 yds/att (end of career), Steve McNair 198.1ypg 6.6 yds/att, Trent Dilfer 161.9ypg 6.6yds/att, Peyton Manning 258.4 ypg 7.8 yds/att (2nd yr in league). This lil b!t$h was with the Giants in 2004 and got benched, obviously this idiot still is a bit sentimental towards Eli (it’s not his fault your a pu$$). Get a life and hope you grow some BAll$ Oh my bad your wife is the one that has them!

Why the hate on Eli ? I would take him anytime on my team! He prepares just like his brother and is up one SB on his bro not to mention isn’t he 3-0 against Brady and Belichick! He will prove everyone wrong just like he did in the 2 SB!

nomoreseasontix says:Feb 7, 2012 9:59 PM

I believe Eli will finish with better stats than Warner and might beat him into the HOF.
Warner is definitely not first ballot material.

This is very interesting. I said basically what 90% of what you guys are saying 2 days ago on a post and I got called a idiot and some other childish names. It is funny once the stats are thrown at you and/or a well known player says it everybody agrees. Eli is no HOF. And has a long way to go before he can think about it. I said it once and I will say it again. Eli had good recievers who caught the ball this year that’s it. He as named MVP THIS SUPERBOWL AND LAST OUT OF DEFAULT not because of his skills.

Warner is right on the money….Eli has backdoored his way into every playoff then played well to get into the big game…

therealmattinhoboken says:Feb 7, 2012 10:39 PM

Please- this sounds like sour grapes from someone who once lost their job to Eli. And while I do think Kurt Warner deserves consideration for the Hall of Fame, let’s not forget that he was benched not once, but THREE times to other starting quarterbacks during the prime of his career (Eli, Bulger and Leinart). And yes, I am a huge Eli fan…but I am realistic enough to know that if his career ended today, he’d be a borderline Hall of Famer – mostly because of his postseason heroics. But, if he puts together 2 or 3 more regular seasons like the one he just had, he will be a lock.

What does this prove? Warner is a jealous idiot.
Assuming Eli stays healthy, he will have 40-55k yards with at least 2 titles and 2 SB MVPS. Both titles were huge overachievements against the best QB and Coach of his era.

Warner was on the best team (by a mile) twice. Once they barely won the Superbowl against a way inferior Titan team, The other time they lost against the way inferior Pats.

The one time he almost pulled an Eli, and overachieved with an inferior team. he came close against the Steelers….but didnt pull it off like Eli did.

Titles mean a ton as titles are more important than individual awards in a team sport. The season MVP’s are nice. But Eli’s 2 titles (and the way he won them, in the 2 most improbable victories in SB history)gives him an edge over Warner…..not including the fact that Eli has 5-8 years ahead of him.

rugdaniels says:Feb 7, 2012 10:42 PM

Seems like a well thought out answer from Warner, the guy’s giving his opinion as a former NFL quarterback. His argument’s as valid as anyone elses. Kurt’s not saying Eli’s a bad quarterback or anything like that, he said he’s not a hall of fame QB. Very few are and a player should really have to excel at the position to be considered one.
This is all very far off considering Eli has another 5 years and then has to wait 5 years for his name to be considered for the ballot. He could very well sway Warner by then.
Good for Kurt for taking a strong side in the debate.

right now at this time warner is correct but that being said Eli has another 5 yrs or so to play like he did this yr. interceptions mean nothing in the grand scheme here because Brett Favre threw a bunch and he will get in no doubt. also Warner is not a HOFer and as for winning championships well lets just say the greatest QB to have never won a championship was Dan Marino and he is in as he should be so enough with how many rings you have to have just to be considered.

jerseyshoregiant says:Feb 7, 2012 10:54 PM

Kurt, how many full seasons did you play in your 12 years? How many INT’s and fumbles(a ton)? Who were your wide receivers? Didn’t you also play with a Hall of Fame running back?
I don’t necessarily disagree with him about the Eli HOF talk just yet but if you listen to the audio he just sounded like a baby.

I don’t know whose opinion makes a better case for the argument, Warner or Adam Schein of Fox Sports.

gcsuk says:Feb 7, 2012 10:56 PM

dieselfan44 says:
Feb 7, 2012 10:17 PM
Warner is right on the money….Eli has backdoored his way into every playoff then played well to get into the big game…
———————————————————

Sorry, but “backdooring” your way into the playoffs is losing but STILL getting in (like Tebow and the Broncos did this year), not WINNING and getting in (like the Giants did in beating Dallas twice to take the division). Same in 2007…the Giants won the game they needed to (Buffalo) to go 10-6 and clinch the wild card.

Kurt Warner is correct. If Eli has 5 more seasons like this one he should be in the HOF. So if he wins 5 more super bowls that should just about do it. Don’t expet him getting in the first year.

Deb says:Feb 7, 2012 11:15 PM

Don’t mind Kurt, Eli, he says that about every young Super Bowl-winning QB.

I agree that it’s too early to discuss Hall of Fame worthiness for Eli, Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, or any of the guys still in the early to middle stages of their careers. But Warner really needs to stop bashing these guys before he hurts his own HoF prospects with what sounds like sour grapes.

Brett Favre threw a ton of INTs and only won one Super Bowl. No one is holding that against him.

When it is all said and done, Eli will be in the top 10 of all major passing catagories. Yards, TDs and so what about INTs. QBs are throwing the ball at record pace. 15-20 INTs is going to be the norm probably for as many times as QBs throw the ball now.

Funny how people want to put Big Ben in the Hall of Fame but Eli isn’t. His numbers in two post season runs to the Super Bowl are far superior then Big Bens.

Are you kidding Kurt, You played in a dome so in my book your not a good QB by any means, real NFL QB’s play outdoors you tried playing for the Giants and you were quickly replaced by a rookie Eli, what are you still bitter about that? You couldn’t handle outdoors so you found a way to to revive your career in dome Arizona. Trash brother, Trash!!!

I read a comment above that Eli had a medicore game in the Super Bowl. He was 30-40 (with 3 drops) 75% for 296. The Patriots were dropping 7 into coverage all game and doubling his top WR yet he made throws in windows that were about 2 x 2.

People just hate him because he is a little goofy. There are probably only 3 teams in the league that wouldn’t want him as a starter. Green Bay, New England and New Orleans

The Hall of Fame shouldn’t be about being on a good team. Kurt is right, teams win championships. Eli only has two Pro Bowls in his career. The Hall of Fame should be for legends you want to talk about in 50 years, not average to above average QBs.

Eli would be the first mildly-retarded player in the HOF! But who would play him in the film adaptation “I am Eli”?!

joecb91 says:Feb 8, 2012 12:04 AM

Warner said that Eli isn’t HOF worthy yet, but he will/could be if he has a few more good years to go with the two rings. What is wrong with that?

You people are all forgetting to read the bottom part of the article.

matman13 says:Feb 8, 2012 12:04 AM

The issue is not where Eli ranks against current Hall of Fame QBs (Newsweek did this) or, in this particular case, whether he’s more deserving than Warner for HoF inclusion.

The issue is and always has been how a particular player ranks against his contemporaries.

In the league right now, there are three sure-fire HoF’ers – Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees. If each of these guys retired tomorrow, they’d be in Canton in 2017. First ballot, no doubt.

Eli had an outstanding year and an incredible finish, and there is no doubt that he was most clutch when it counted. But you have to consider the body of work. Just compare him to Rodgers, Brees, Brady, Romo, Stafford, and Schaub for 2011. He was last in passer rating among this group, 4th in passing yards, 6th in passing TDs, threw more INTs than everyone except Stafford, had the highest INT percentage, and tied with Schaub for last in completion percentage. By every objective measure, Eli failed to measure up to the very best of his contemporaries this year. And this was the best year of his career. Again, an objective assessment of his career to this point shows him as an above average QB, but hardly among the elite.

I agree with Warner. Eli must continue to excel over the balance of his career just to be named among the best of his peers, much less as HoF-worthy. At this stage, minus the two rings, Philip Rivers has had a better statistical career than Eli.

BTW – Kurt Warner is a fake. While attending Giants Camp, he actually said no to a 6 year old standing next to me, who asked very respectfully for an autograph. “Mr. Warner, would you sign my ball”…the answer was no.

I also think he still holds a grudge about Eli taking over for him when he struggled in the 2004 season.

Many people overlook that Eli plays in the most pressure-packed media cauldron in the NFL. The NYC frenzy melted Warner, and is doing the same to Sanchez. Eli has slowly adapted to the scrutiny, and has now succeeded where few before him have. He will only get better.

——–

This is the overlooked factor. Many QBs have tried to succeed in the NY market and failed. Eli was 11-5 his first full season there on a team that wasn’t exactly pegged as a Super Bowl contender before he got to town. He is one of three modern era QBs who have succeeded in that market (Simms, Namath, and him). That speaks for itself when guys like Fran Tarkenton came there to great fanfare but fell flat.

It’s like I asked in the first post that brought this up to the people trying to explain why Peyton has shrunk in the same big moments that Eli has shone the brightest. Do you want numbers, or do you want championships? And to suggest because he doesn’t have Peyton or Warner type numbers, which have been catapulted by not only the focus of their offenses being a pass heavy attack, but also by their play in some of the sorriest, most softball markets in football (ST. Louis, Indy, and Phoenix) and ideal controlled environments.

Bottom line, if Troy Aikman is in simply on his sterling playoff numbers when he played with some of the greatest assembled offensive talent of all time, Manning is surely a Hall of Famer because no offense, I don’t think any of his receivers, tight ends, linemen, or RBs will even be in a discussion for Canton. All of those other guys not only played with other Hall of Fame type talent, but multiple ones (Warner/Faulk/Bruce/Pace,Manning/Harrison/James/Frieney, Aikman/Allen/Smith/Irvin/etc).

xtb3 says:Feb 8, 2012 12:37 AM

Only reason Warner lost his starter’s job to Eli was because after a decent start with the Giants, Kurt Warner stunk out the place! Eli has won TWO Super Bowls with a 9-7 team and a wildcard team. Warner won one with the Greatest Show on Turf and personally lost one Super Bowl to James Harrison.

———————————————
Using this for your reasoning to get Manning in is just ignorant. Its more of a passing league than ever right now. The rules were changed to make it that way. Of course most the Hall of Fame QBs have a lower passing rating than current day QBs. It would be like stating that all current day MLB hitters suck because 18 of the top 20 career hitting averages belong to players playing before 1940s. Even stating that Eli is 41th in career passing ratings.

For example 10 QBs past 4000 yards this season. In 2002 only four did. If your older like me you likely recall when someone throwing for 4000 yards and having more TDs than Ints meant you were good. The QB who i think is the best ever- Joe Montana never threw for 4000 yards in a season. Threw for over 30 TDs once. So if you want to compare Manning to others statistically. I say you have to do compared to current players or you have to era adjust because anything else is just silly.

If Eli has a few more years like this one then he’s a lock for the HoF. If he has a few more seasons like last years’ stink bomb then he isn’t.

Either way, no matter what Eli does Kurt Warner is not a HoF QB. Looks like sour grapes to me.

grannyvi4 says:Feb 8, 2012 1:37 AM

Umm, didn’t the Great Favre throw almost as many interceptions as he did completions and TDs? And yet everyone assumes he’ll be a HOFer. Eli’s got quite a few more years left to play. Let’s see what his entire body of work is first before deciding whether he deserves the gold jacket.

i cant say i disagree with warner.. im a giants fan that being said ive watch eli grow from a scared pup to a field general. and hes right, to many years have me and my family watched eli every sunday until this year and wonder which eli manning we would see per week. its either the 250-300 and 3 td manning or 200 and 4 ints manning… while im still in awe and happiness that we just won another championship i cant put him in that HOF category yet. he was 2 rings which in most cases would seal the deal and this year personally led us to that chip which he didnt do in 07 except a mistake free playoff run. i think he had an elite year. but inorder to be truly elite u need to string together 4-5-6-7 years like this consistantly. but i do believe eli will no question be in the HOF when its all said in done..theres difference between being the best QB in giants history and HOF worthy..but eli is well on his way to completing the 2nd of both of those scenerios.

dubaradhandi says:
Feb 7, 2012 6:05 PM
On spot Warner. It’s insane already to hear Eli own Brady etc. Give Brady the NYG roaster, he will never lose a game.
____________________
he was given that..its called the 2007 18-1 patriots..lol nice try though

krose91 says:Feb 8, 2012 2:14 AM

7 – 1 in the playoffs on the road. And I don’t know why people can’t give Eli credit for Sunday’s Super Bowl. He hit his receivers multiple times right on the money while they were surrounded by two defenders. He takes the ball on the 20 yard line minutes before the end and just throws the ball down the sidelines where online his receiver can make a play. Perfect throw.

What does this prove? Warner is a jealous idiot.
Assuming Eli stays healthy, he will have 40-55k yards with at least 2 titles and 2 SB MVPS. Both titles were huge overachievements against the best QB and Coach of his era.

Warner was on the best team (by a mile) twice. Once they barely won the Superbowl against a way inferior Titan team, The other time they lost against the way inferior Pats.

The one time he almost pulled an Eli, and overachieved with an inferior team. he came close against the Steelers….but didnt pull it off like Eli did.

Titles mean a ton as titles are more important than individual awards in a team sport. The season MVP’s are nice. But Eli’s 2 titles (and the way he won them, in the 2 most improbable victories in SB history)gives him an edge over Warner…..not including the fact that Eli has 5-8 years ahead of him.
————-
Do you have reading comprehension issues? Nowhere did Warner claim that he’s a HOF QB. This whole comparison of Eli with Kurt does not make Eli a HOF QB.

It’s ridiculous that most of the nation had trouble accepting Manning as an elite QB a couple of months ago and all of a sudden he’s a HOF QB.

It’s wonderful that you know how to cherry pick stats. All of the HOF QBs that you selected that had lower completion % played in an era where mugging of receivers was allowed. All except Elway played over 25 years ago. Why don’t you compare him to more recent HOF additions (namely Young, Aikman, and soon to be Favre). All of them had completion % in the 60s. The very fact that the best passers of today (Rodgers, Brady, Brees, Peyton, Ben, Romo) have completion % in the 60s should tell you that Manning has been subpar (i.e. below standards).
If titles meant more than individual awards then Dilfer would be in HOF and Marino would not make it. If two titles meant everything then Plunkett would be in.

The point is that we are jumping the gun. Eli had a fantastic season but he’s not been very consistent up till now. He needs a few more seasons like this one to make it in. That is precisely what Warner is saying. So, I don’t know what is the issue.

20bust11 says:Feb 8, 2012 7:19 AM

If you look at some of the players who made it into the HOF, Eli, and Kurt are both a lock.
Warner’s yard stick is silly. He shouldn’t measure other QBs, unless he is willing to explain his last playoff game against the Saints. Was it the QBs fault they lost by more than 30 points, or was it the teams fault? With 2 of the best receivers in the NFL, I’d blame the QB.

schilhater says:Feb 8, 2012 7:41 AM

daffy87 says:
Feb 7, 2012 5:50 PM

Well let’s see….two Superbowl titles…two Superbowl MVP’s….he’s going into the hall of fame. Is there a quarterback who won multiple titles who isn’t in the hall?

————————————————
hey genius ever hear of Jim Plunkett

schilhater says:Feb 8, 2012 7:46 AM

billhance says:
Feb 7, 2012 5:43 PM
QB’s in the HOF that have lower than an 82 QB rating.

I feel obligated to point out to everyone that is bashing Warner for talking about HoF credentials and how Eli’s are or are not better than his etc.

He was asked a question. He answered it. It’s not like he came out and screamed without prompting that Eli doesn’t deserve it. He weighed the information and said he isn’t there yet, but he could be. I don’t see anything that deserves a bash there.

football20122 says:Feb 8, 2012 8:48 AM

As a fan of football in general I will tell U Mr. Warner, I will watch Eli play a game over many other QB’s playing today due to the fact he is a very good player, exciting to watch , he makes things happen on the field…I always liked U very much and this just suprises me to here U say this about such a good QB. It totally insulted me I can imange what it did to Eli…the word holyroller comes to my mind….

i had no idea that so many HOFers posted comments here on PFT. I’m truly honored to be amongst such esteemed company…..so only if Kurt Warner becomes a HOFer is he entitled to have a position on Eli’s prospects? so how is it that so many of you have an opinion on the matter?
i dont see all the uproar. he’s not saying he’ll NEVER get in. he’s just saying that he’s not been consistent enough over the span of his career TO THIS POINT to warrant induction, championships considered…..and i couldnt agree more….i feel the same way about ben, but i think they’re both on the right track.

cwhat32 says:Feb 8, 2012 8:56 AM

Agree with Kurt. People seem to forget about all the mediocre seasons Eli has had. He throws a ton of interceptions. It should be to enter the HOF, you must have 1 MVP or Defensive Player of the Year Award.

spartan31fan says:Feb 8, 2012 9:20 AM

Your kidding right kurt? For crying out loud manning has alot of football to play yet. No-one should be talking about the HOF until his playing career is at least nearing the end, dont ya think? Oh and by the way, isnt Eli the guy that took your job when you were a giant? Hmmmmm.

LoCoSu@%s says:Feb 8, 2012 9:30 AM

Of all the people, Kurt should know better.
If you dont have anything good to say, dont say anything at all.

bhindenemylines says:Feb 8, 2012 9:43 AM

“You know, he’s had five of his eight seasons where he has thrown 16 interceptions or more. His completion percentage on his career is 58 percent.”

Quick, Kurt, name the QB with the most TDs.

Brett Favre.

Now name the QB with the most Int’s.

Brett Favre

The door swings both ways; gotta take the good with the bad.

Also, not only has Eli won 2 SBs, he’s been the MVP in both of them.

If I had a vote Eli would be in before Kurt.

And I’m a Cowboys’ fan, so typing this post has pretty much made my fingers bleed.

Numbers mean jack if you don’t win the big ones… ask Marino, who’s 1,000,000x the QB Warner will ever be. He was a system QB that lucked into some amazing WR’s.

Eli has more cause than Warner.

fastspecv says:Feb 8, 2012 10:12 AM

I agree with Kurt on this one. People are too knee jerk anymore. Remember last season when Vick was the second coming of christ and people were proclaiming him to be one of, if not thee best QB in the league because he had 1 good season. Then we all got to see what Vick did this year. So I’m with Kurt on this one. He’s had a decent year this year but lets see this over the course of a few years like we see with his brother year in and year out.

prettyboyjag says:Feb 8, 2012 10:20 AM

Says the guy who threw a pick six at the goaline seconds before halftime in the superbowl…essentially the difference in the game.

Sounds to me like Warner has issues, man he won’t give Eli any credit. Jealousy will not get you into canton either Kurt. Dude beginning to sounds like a cry baby.

blasterpastor says:Feb 8, 2012 11:38 AM

Total sour grapes from the guy who was benched for the guy who has two Super Bowl wins and two Super Bowl MVPs. The one Super Bowl win Warner has had him having to throw for 365 yards just to get the win. No, Mr. Warner. You’re too close to the situation to be making comments about Eli!

Eli isn’t a hall of famer and won’t be for a while…Kurt is just calling it like he sees it. Bottom line is Eli is NOT a hall of fame QB as of now, and most people disagreeing with Warner are just baby NY fans who whine and think Eli deserves more credit than he should actually get. Each season so far basically has been mediocre. But now to the sweet part all you Giants fans want to hear, Eli still has quite a bit of time left and it is very well possible that he will get more superbowl rings

Kurt Warner is a putz. He never liked Eli taking over cuz he sucked with the Giants. He held the ball too long, the o-line sucked and took alot of sacks b/c of it. Saying this seems like jealously to me. Stick to passing out your prayer cards, Kurt. I’ll take Eli and we will see where he is in a few years. If Joe Namath is in the HOF with more INTs than TD’s, I am sure Eli will be considered when the time comes.

Kurt warner your a complete idiot.Jealous that Eli hasnt lost a SB where you lost two.Sour grapes muchacho.You really do not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as hall of fame

wferg1121 says:Feb 8, 2012 2:22 PM

I believe Eli will be in the HOF. Right now? Not sure but when you consider that Tom Brady is considered by many to be the best QB ever and both of his Superbowl losses are to Eli, thats impressive. I also think its funny how everyone uses his own stats against him, and say that the defense carried him but forget to mention that in 07, Tampa #2 New England #4 Dallas #9 and Greenbay #11 best defenses in the NFL. Giants were ranked #7. Also during that playoff run Eli is credited with two 4qtr comebacks, and 3 game winning drives. Also look at his recievers over his career they keep changing, because of new guys being added practically every year. So there was a lot of drops, and dropped TD’s. The one that stands out most to me was after Plax shot himself, our first playoff game against the Eagles, Hixon dropped a deep TD pass that landed right in his arms. Makes me wonder if this could have been his 3rd Superbowl, afterall we did beat all the remaining playoffs teams during the regular season.

Yeah, Kurt Warner should talk about being a game changer in critical situations…how about that red zone INT he threw right to James Harrison who ran it back 100 yrds for the TD??? That play right before the half changed the whole outlook of Super Bowl XLIII, a game he and the Cards had in their control for victory….as much respect I have for him, he’s not in the H.O.F. either and shouldn’t give such criteria’s “knowing” he’s not a H.O.F’er himself. He could get jerked just like Parcells did recently.

Eli has set the record for most 4th qtr TD’s, a mark only Peyton and the great Johnny Unitas held for many years…he is the new King of the 4th Qtr. Granted, I agree w/Warner that Eli has had inconsistencies. However, give Eli one more season like what he had in 2011 plus another SB victory (not necessarily another MVP award but would help) and he will eventually go into Canton!!!

There’s more to being great than just stats. Is Eli also an emotional leader? When the chips are down,do his teammates want him to be the one in charge? Does he take a hit and get back up and not whine that his teammates aren’t getting the job done? Are his coaches,teammates and fans confident that he’s going to get the job done in the fourth quarter when they need him to? Dan Marino has some of the greatest stats of all time.How many Super Bowl rings? Football isn’t track and field where the fastest or the strongest wins. It’s a team sport that needs a LEADER. It also takes heart,brains,determination, and the REFUSAL to lose. Eli has exhibited all of those qualities. Stats don’t mean diddly if you ain’t got the Lombardi Trophy.Eli’s got two.

captaintriumph says:Feb 9, 2012 3:04 PM

How many rings a QB has is totally overrated as far as how good he is. If Tyrese and Manningham don’t make unbelievable catches, then Eli has zero rings. Is there anyone, anyone, who thinks Eli is as good as Brees? No. But if it weren’t for the refs cheating in the NFCC game vs the Vikings, Brees would have zero rings. And then everyone would be saying Eli must be better than Brees. Bottom line – the ‘rings’ argument is ridiculous.

majordude says:Feb 9, 2012 4:08 PM

It’s the Hall of FAME. How else would Joe Nameth be in there? He has terrible numbers but he was FAMOUS for predicting the Jets would win.

Can you think of two plays as famous as the passes to Tyree and Manningham in recent Super Bowls?

Kurt Warner is a fool to say Eli should not be a hall of famer one more season out of Eli and he will already have better numbers than Warner. What does he have on Eli two league mvps big deal I’d take two super bowl mvps over league MVP and day. And look what happened to Aaron Rodgers (this years league MVP) against Eli. Yes it takes a team to get there but no quarterback is better than Eli in the fourth he may be inconsistent sometimes but the kid knows how to win and in my eyes is a hall of famer. Warner has never put up good numbers with out an all star line up of recievers (bruce and holy in St. Louis and bolden and Fitzgerald in Arizona. Kurt Warner was lucky Eli can play. And his is all coming from an eagles fan.

buzzbissinger says:Feb 9, 2012 9:48 PM

Never was a fan of any of the teams he was on, but Kurt is a soild QB and a very entertaining story. Seems like an even keeled guy (for a bible thumper). As for HOF, I’ll leave that to the committee, that’s their job after all right?

jjbadd says:Feb 10, 2012 2:40 AM

Its beginning to bother me, all the supposed football fans that have watched a QB help his team to not one, but two Super Bowls, and he hasnt even hit his prime, but insist he isnt any good, or say he is overrated, or not “elite”! Im by far not a Giants fan or Eli Manning fan. I am however , a football fan and just watched a Qb in his 8th season, cap off a 2nd SB victory! Not necasarrily a Hall of Famer yet, but if he is blessed with a few more seasons…. he will without a doubt be in Canton. As for Kurt Warner, I was actually a fan of his, and his comments are kinda out of character for him. But anyway, haters be aware, Eli is about to enter his Golden years as a QB, enjoy your crow because he is everything ya say he is not!

peelmybatwings says:Feb 11, 2012 7:50 AM

Warner is a hall of famer. One thing I look at when comparing QBs is how would they do if they switched teams? Not an exact science, but it’s a little more of an apples to apples argument. Could Eli have led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl? I think Kurt was one of the most accurate and toughest QBs I have ever seen, but the injuries that killed the middle of his career make people forget that. Did you ever see Kurt duck to avoid a hit? No, he would stand there (sometimes foolishly) and take the hit while delivering the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Plus, before all the injuries (thanks for the protection, Martz) you couldn’t rattle him. I think Kurt gets in, give Eli a little more time, too soon to rush to judgement. Remember after Brady won his third and people were having this same argument about him? A little time passes, and now there’s no doubt.

bubba703 says:Feb 12, 2012 2:36 PM

Is anyone surprised that Kurt Warner would have a problem with Eli being in the HOF? Guess who replaced Kurt Warner as starting Giants QB after Kurt stunk up the joint in 2 consecutive games?
Yep, Eli.

choice1329 says:Feb 12, 2012 9:19 PM

Last year this time people were referring to Eli as being nothing more than a turnover machine, if it had not been for that defense I don’t think the Giants would have won, but it had nothing to do with Eli being outstanding. I agree with Warner.

I actually like Warner, but this sounds like he is a little jealous. Seems like Warner has seen that his chances for the HoF just took a hit.

Warner has three SB appearances with one Win. He had 14 game winning drives in his career.

Eli Manning has two SB rings, which both were game winning drives on his part. Not to mention that Eli has 25 game winning drives in his career. Not to mention to SB MVP trophies. All within 3/4 of the time of Warner’s career … and Eli still has many years left.

Inconsistent? Is Kurt Warner choosing to misremember his terrible years in NY? Isn’t that pretty much the definition of inconsistency, to be really bad, then really good, then really bad then really good again like Kurt’s career?

havok82 says:Feb 14, 2012 3:01 PM

Come on…Eli wasn’t even the MVP of either SB. It should have been Tyree in one for the velcro catch and Welker in this last one for dropping a ball he catches 99% of the time.